March 30 is National Doctors’ Day, which provides an opportunity to thank the physicians who work so hard every day to help their patients achieve optimal health amid obstacles to care such as doctor shortages and insurers’ prior authorization practices.
The rate of physician burnout soared to record highs during the federally declared COVID-19 public health emergency. While the rate has dropped significantly since then, far too many doctors report at least one symptom of professional burnout. According to survey data exclusive to the AMA that was collected through the AMA Organizational Biopsy®, the overall physician burnout rate was 43.2% when last measured.
While physicians are busy taking care of patients, the AMA is fighting on the issues that matter
most to doctors. From Capitol Hill to all 50 states, the AMA tirelessly advocates for the changes needed in health care.
The AMA is fighting for physicians by:
- Leading the charge to reform the Medicare payment system.
- Fighting scope creep.
- Fixing prior authorization.
- Reducing physician burnout.
- Making technology work for physicians.
The AMA launched the Center for Digital Health and AI last fall to support physician leadership in shaping, guiding and implementing technologies transforming medicine. The AMA advocates for the development of high-quality, clinically validated AI that is deployed in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner with patient safety being the first and foremost concern.
Learn more about how AMA fights for doctors at the national level and in statehouses across the country, and read on to find out how the AMA is the physician’s powerful ally in health care.
Leading the charge to reform the Medicare payment system
- Another year, yet another pay cut. The AMA is continuing to challenge Congress to work on systemic reforms and make Medicare work better for you and your patients. Our work will continue, fighting tirelessly against future cuts—and against all barriers to patient care. The evidence is clear. The Medicare payment system is on an unsustainable path, threatening patients' access to physicians.
Fighting scope creep
- Patients deserve care led by physicians—the most highly educated, trained and skilled health professionals. The AMA vigorously defends the practice of medicine against scope-of-practice expansions that threaten patient safety and undermine the physician-led care team.
Fixing prior authorization
- Prior authorization is overused, and existing processes present significant administrative and clinical concerns. The AMA’s approach to the prior authorization challenge includes research, practice resources and reform resources. The AMA is standing up to insurance companies to eliminate care delays, patient harm and practice hassles.
Reducing physician burnout
- Far too many American physicians experience burnout. That's why the AMA develops resources that prioritize well-being and highlight workflow changes so physicians can focus on what matters—patient care. As the leader in physician well-being, the AMA is reducing physician burnout by removing administrative burdens and providing real-world solutions to help doctors rediscover the Joy in Medicine®.
Making tech work for physicians
- More than 80% of physicians are using AI professionally, and the AMA is working to ensure physician voices are integrated into the creation and refinement of all technological aspects of medicine—from telehealth to AI to EHRs. Find out how the AMA advocates to extend telehealth coverage, has its finger on the pulse of AI advancement, and clears up myths that waste time.
From Medicare payment reform to reducing physician burnout, fixing prior authorization to defending against scope creep, the AMA is fighting for you so that you can stay focused on your patients. Hear more from our AMA members.
